First:
Democratic Justice Allison Riggs defeated her opponent, state appeals court Judge Jefferson Griffin, by 734 votes in November’s election. But Griffin is refusing to concede – and instead has launched a multi-pronged attack on voters in both state and federal court. He’s trying to litigate away his loss by silencing over 67,000 voters, disproportionately from Black North Carolinians, and overturn the results of the election. Justice Riggs’ victory is the last uncertified race in this country.

Then:
The case ping-ponged between federal and state courts.

(In federal court) The Fourth Circuit heard oral arguments and ordered that the case stay in state courts for now. The court retained some federal jurisdiction, which means the case may go back there later. 

(In state court) In a particularly egregious move, Griffin suggested that the court, as a first step, disqualify only overseas voters—including active military personnel and their families—but only from six heavily Democratic counties. Normally, Republicans attempt to hide it better when they cherrypick votes to suppress, but he is saying the quiet part out loud. 

In Wake County Superior Court, the judge ruled against Griffin. 

Griffin appealed to the Court of Appeals. This is the very court he sits on, but he has not recused. Neither has his friend and $5000 campaign donor, Judge Thomas Murry.  

Even Republican Senator Phil Berger, the leader of the NC Senate (and father of NC Supreme Court Justice Phil Berger, Jr.), feels Griffin has taken it too far. ““The equities are with the voters there,” he said.

Now:
The North Carolina Democrats will keep fighting tooth and nail in the courts to uphold the will of the people. Because if Republicans succeed in stealing an election here, they will export their blueprint to overturn our votes everywhere. We need all supporters of fair elections to support our fight.